NRL Market Watch: All the signing news ahead of the November 1 free agency deadline

England international Morgan Smithies will join the NRL next season fresh from Super League grand final glory. Follow all the last-minute signing news.

The Canberra Raiders have confirmed the signing of England international Morgan Smithies on a three-year deal.

The 22-year-old Smithies has played more than 100 games for Wigan in Super League since making his debut in 2019 and will join compatriot Elliott Whitehead at the Raiders next season.

Smithies signed off at Wigan by helping them to a Super League grand final win over Catalans Dragons and will be hoping to replicate that success at the Raiders.

Raiders NRL Recruitment Manager Joel Carbone said Smithies was a young player whose experience in big games will be a valuable addition to the Canberra squad.

“Morgan has already achieved a lot of success in his short career and we’re very excited about him joining the club over the next three seasons,” Carbone said.

“He’s come from a very strong, successful system, which will put him in good stead in his transition into the NRL.

“We expect him to add substantial value to our team and complement our young core moving forward.

“While he’s only a young man himself, he has already played over 100 first-team games, including Super League and Challenge Cup finals, and will come over a Super League champion after their grand final win only a few weeks ago.”

Morgan Smithies is on his way to the NRL. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

FAN FAVOURITE SET TO RE-SIGN WITH SHARKS

Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf is on the verge of inking a new deal with the Sharks that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026.

Rudolf, off contract at the end of next season, has been a mainstay of the Sharks side over the last four seasons, appearing in 81 games.

He was likely to be hot property come November 1 but is ready to commit to the Sharks with a two-year extension in a show of support for coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

SOUTHS RE-SIGN ORIGIN FORWARD

Maroons middle forward Jai Arrow has re-signed with South Sydney on a three-year deal that will keep him at the Rabbitohs until the end of the 2027 season.

“The boys, the coaches and the staff all have the utmost faith that we will be successful and I’m excited about what’s ahead for us in the coming years,” Arrow said.

“I want to finish my journey at this club and I’m so happy to be a part of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.”

Jai Arrow wants to finish his career with South Sydney. Picture: Brendan Radke

KNIGHTS SIGN PANTHER

The Knights have officially announced the signing of ex-Panther Tom Jenkins.

Jenkins, who was part of Penrith’s extended grand final squad, has signed a two year deal for 2024 and 2025.

“We see Tom as a long term NRL player and we are thankful he chose the Knights,” said Newcastle head of football Peter Parr. “He has a skillset we believe complements our style of play and will add valuable depth to our outside backs.”

Jenkins, 22, has played since games since making his NRL debut last year. He scored five tries in as many games this year.

Jenkins will compete for the wing spot vacated by Dom Young.

MANLY, COWBOYS SIGNING NEWS

Manly have re-signed in-form hooker Lachlan Croker for a further two seasons just hours before the November 1 deadline.

Croker still has 12 months left on his current deal but has committed to the Sea Eagles until at least the end of 2026.

He won the club’s player of the year award last year. The 26-year-old has been a mainstay at the Sea Eagles since switching from the halves into the hooking position.

BELOW: EVERY CLUB’S TOP TARGET AND MUST KEEP

Croker has played at least 20 games in the past four seasons. Manly will have a new-look spine next year with Croker starting in the no.9 jersey and Daly Cherry-Evans being partnered by Luke Brooks in the halves.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys signed off-contract Test prop Jordan McLean to a new one-year deal.

Originally published as NRL Market Watch: All the signing news ahead of the November 1 free agency deadline